Comparative Effects of Amlodipine and Candesartan on Blood Pressure and Metabolic Profile in Non-Diabetic Hypertensive Patients

Introduction: The present study aimed to compare the effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine on blood pressure and metabolic profile in nondiabetic hypertensive patients. Methods: The study involved non-diabetic patients with mild to moderate hypertension. They were randomly assigned to receive candesartan or amlodipine for 24 weeks, parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks and 24 weeks for each patient group. Results: Candesartan and amlodipine both reduced blood pressure and the HOMA-IR index significantly (P < 0.05, 24 weeks vs. baseline). Candesartan was more effective than amlodipine in lowering blood pressure and HOMA-IR, although the difference was not significant statistically. Conclusion: Both candesartan and amlodipine are extremely effective at reducing blood pressure in moderate hypertension patients. Candesartan cilexetil has a major benefit in terms of tolerability, as it reduces the risk of developing metabolic dysregulation.

Key words: Amlodipine, Candesartan, Hypertension, Insulin resistance.